Rob Gronkowski could become highest-paid TE with restructure of deal

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 24: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the New England Patriots and veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski have restructured his deal, which could make “Gronk” the league’s highest-paid TE in 2017.

Rob Gronkowski has undisputedly been the best TE in the league since entering in 2010. In his seven-year career, he has been the highest-graded tight end four times, including his career-high 97.4 overall grade in 2011.

Gronkowski currently holds the three highest TE grades in the PFF era. His lowest output came during his rookie season, where he graded as the league’s sixth-best tight end, at 84.5 overall.

Gronkowski has dominated his position group in almost every major statistical category, including PFF’s yards-per-route-run (YPRR) metric. Gronkowski has finished top-five in YPRR in every season as a pro, including four first-place finishes.

The 2016 season saw an injury-riddled campaign from Gronkowski. He missed significant time at both the start and end of the season, undergoing his third major back surgery after Week 12. Gronk participated in just 352 snaps over eight games.